The Buddha lists the seven fetters that bind beings.

AN 7.8 Saṁyojana sutta - Fetters

“Sattimāni, bhikkhave, saṁyojanāni. Katamāni satta?

“|Bhikkhus,::::| there are these seven fetters. What seven?

Anunayasaṁyojanaṁ, paṭighasaṁyojanaṁ, diṭṭhisaṁyojanaṁ, vicikicchāsaṁyojanaṁ, mānasaṁyojanaṁ, bhavarāgasaṁyojanaṁ, avijjāsaṁyojanaṁ.

The |fetter of attraction::bond of affection [anunayasaṁyojana]|, the |fetter of repulsion::fetter of resistance [paṭighasaṁyojana]|, the |fetter of view::bond of belief [diṭṭhisaṁyojana]|, the fetter of doubt, the |fetter of conceit::chain of superiority [mānasaṁyojana]|, the |fetter of jealousy::bond of envy [issāsaṁyojana]|, the |fetter of stinginess::bond of tight-fistedness [macchariyasaṁyojana]|.

Imāni kho, bhikkhave, satta saṁyojanānī”ti.

These|, bhikkhus,::::| are the seven fetters.”

Qualities:

Aversion

Aversion

A rejecting mental quality rooted in perception, where one instinctively turns away from or resists unpleasant experiences or objects; it manifests as a tendency to push away discomfort, obstructing patience and acceptance.

Also known as: animosity, hate, hostility, fault-finding mindset, upset
Pāli: dosa, paṭighasaññā, vera
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Conceit

Conceit

Self-view expressed as comparison—seeing oneself as superior, inferior, or equal; the persistent “I am” conceit (asmimāna) that underlies identification and fuels rebirth

Also known as: arrogance, egotism, pride, self-importance, tendency of self-comparison
Pāli: māna, atimāna, unnaḷa
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Doubt

Doubt

Paralyzing indecision about the path or practice. Doubt obstructs confidence and clarity.

Also known as: confusion, indecisiveness, uncertainty, wavering, perplexity
Pāli: vicikiccha, kaṅkhā, vimati
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Jealousy

Jealousy

A painful mental state that arises when seeing the good fortune or qualities of others. It begrudges what others have and resents their happiness, closing the heart to appreciative joy.

Also known as: covetousness, envy, possessiveness, protective of, unwilling to part with
Pāli: issā
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Stinginess

Stinginess

A contracted, possessive refusal to share what one has—whether material goods, knowledge, or status. It clings tightly to what is “mine,” fearing loss and closing the hand against generosity.

Also known as: miserliness, meanness, tight-fistedness
Pāli: macchariya
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Last updated on August 5, 2026